What role do lysosomes play in white blood cells?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific function of lysosomes within white blood cells, with multiple-choice options provided that relate to different possible roles lysosomes might have.
Answer
Digest foreign material and assist immune functions.
Lysosomes help white blood cells digest foreign material such as pathogens, and break down excess or worn-out cell parts. They also assist in destroying invading viruses and bacteria, and facilitate programmed cell death if needed.
Answer for screen readers
Lysosomes help white blood cells digest foreign material such as pathogens, and break down excess or worn-out cell parts. They also assist in destroying invading viruses and bacteria, and facilitate programmed cell death if needed.
More Information
Lysosomes are especially numerous in disease-fighting white blood cells because of their vital role in immune defense. They enable these cells to effectively combat pathogens by digesting them.
Tips
A common mistake is to ignore the role of lysosomes in programmed cell death.
Sources
- Genome - Lysosome - genome.gov
- Why do white blood cells contain many lysosomes? - homework.study.com
- Animal Cell Structure - Lysosomes - Molecular Expressions - micro.magnet.fsu.edu
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